Chapter-4, Sutra 31

Patanjali Yogasutra 4.31

(Infinite Knowledge)

तदा सर्वावरणमलापेतस्य ज्ञानस्यानन्त्याज्ज्ञेयमल्पम्।

"Then, when all coverings and impurities are removed, the Infinite Knowledge of the Knower leaves but little to be known."

This Sutra emphasizes the Ultimate State of enlightenment in the practice of yoga. When all impurities (mental, emotional, and karmic) are removed, the yogi's perception becomes completely clear and untainted. The "coverings" or "obstructions" (referred to as अवरण) symbolize ignorance, ego, and attachments that cloud the true understanding of the Self and Reality. Once these are lifted, the practitioner attains ananta jnana (Infinite Knowledge), perceiving all things as they truly are. However, the Realization also includes understanding the finite nature of what remains to be known in the relative, conditioned world.

Although the Knower attains boundless Wisdom, the Sutra highlights that what remains to be understood in the empirical sense becomes insignificant. This paradox reflects the shift in perspective: Infinite Knowledge of the Eternal Truth diminishes the significance of finite knowledge tied to transient phenomena. The yogi transcends the dualities of knowing and not-knowing and experiences a state of complete Unity with Purusha (Pure Consciousness).

For practitioners, this Sutra serves as a motivation to persist in their journey, promising a State of Clarity and fulfillment beyond the limitations of ordinary perception. It aligns with the core aim of yoga: liberation from 

avidya (ignorance) and Realization of one's True Essence. This stage represents the culmination of kaivalya, where the yogi no longer identifies with the fluctuations of the mind or external reality.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"Knowledge itself is there; its covering is gone. One of the Buddhistic scriptures sums up what is meant by the Buddha (which is the name of a State). It defines it as Infinite Knowledge, infinite as the sky. Jesus attained to that state and became the Christ. All of you will attain to that State, and Knowledge becoming Infinite, the knowable becomes small. This whole universe, with all its knowable, becomes as nothing before the Purusha. the ordinary man thinks himself very small, because to him the knowable seems to be so Infinite."

Contextual Comparison:

Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.4

परेऽव्यये सर्वशक्त्यावृतेऽव्यक्तविभाविनि। ज्ञानमयं तापसाक्षं तद्ब्रह्म यत्प्रमापितम्।

"That which is beyond, imperishable, and enveloped in all powers, the unmanifested; that which is knowledge and radiant—it is Brahman, the Supreme Truth to be Realized."

This verse highlights the transcendence of Brahman, which is understood when all veils of ignorance are removed. Both texts stress the importance of purification and the removal of obstructions to perceive the Ultimate Reality.

Bhagavad Gita 5.16

ज्ञानेन तु तदज्ञानं येषां नाशितमात्मनः। तेषामादित्यवज्ज्ञानं प्रकाशयति तत्परम्॥

"When ignorance is destroyed by Knowledge of the Self, then, like the sun, knowledge illuminates the Supreme."

This verse parallels the idea in the Yogasutra that Infinite Knowledge arises when ignorance and impurities are eliminated. The imagery of light dispelling darkness conveys the clarity and completeness of enlightenment.

Yoga Vashishta 3.3.23

आत्मन्यावृणुते मोक्षो यत्र ज्ञानं विराजते। तदा सर्वं प्रकाशं च दृश्यं चानन्त्यमृच्छति।

"In the Self, when liberation manifests, Knowledge shines forth. Then all is illumined, and the Infinite is Realized."

This verse mirrors the Yogasutra’s emphasis on liberation through the removal of obstructions, leading to infinite understanding and the illumination of all aspects of existence.

In summary, the essence of Patanjali Yogasutra 4.31 finds resonance across various Vedic and spiritual texts. They collectively underscore the removal of ignorance and impurities to attain Infinite Knowledge and Realization of the Ultimate Truth, highlighting a shared vision of enlightenment in Vedic philosophy.